Healthy Twists on the Classic Banana Bread Recipe

7. Espresso Banana Bread With Dark Chocolate

Espresso Banana Bread with Dark Chocolate

What’s better than a warm slice of banana bread? How about a slice of dark chocolate banana bread from Denver-based Leanne Ray, RDN, with a kick of espresso to kick-start your day? Not only does the whole-grain flour and flaxseed in this recipe boost the fiber content, per the USDA, but the addition of dark chocolate may help to lower total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, noted a meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Nutrition per serving (serves 12; ½-inch slice per serving): 258 calories, 13g total fat, 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, 4g fiber

 

8. Banana Bread Overnight Oats

Banana Bread Overnight Oats

From NYC-based Chelsey Amer, RDN, this new take on a classic not only provides all the taste that you love but also essentially makes itself while you sleep overnight. Using only five simple ingredients, you can whip this recipe together in a mason jar and bring it with you for a quick meal or snack. And if you’re looking to add more heart-healthy foods to your diet, the rolled oats are rich in the fiber beta-glucan (per the USDA), which may help lower LDL cholesterol, according to a review published in April 2018 in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine.

Nutrition per serving (serves 1): 345 calories, 9g total fat (0.8g saturated fat), 14g protein, 53g carbohydrates, 10.9g fiber, 11.2g sugar (0g added sugar), 89mg sodium